Capturing the spirit of the Formula 1 track... Leica unveils limited-edition camera

[The Financial News] Leica Camera is unveiling a limited-edition camera featuring design elements from Formula 1®. Carbon fiber materials and colors and details inspired by race cars bring the dynamism of motorsports to the camera. 
Leica Camera said it will begin selling the Leica Q3 43 Formula 1® Edition at Leica Stores on the 21st. The product was created through a licensing partnership between Leica and Formula 1®, the world-renowned motorsport series. It was first unveiled at a special event held at the Leica Store and Leica Gallery in Los Angeles, United States.
The Leica Q3 43 Formula 1® Edition features carbon fiber on the wireless charging handgrip, soft-release button and thumb grip. The lightweight yet strong carbon fiber was manufactured and tested in Germany.
The camera body is covered in black microvelour inspired by race-car steering wheels. Drawing on the use of color-coded controls on steering wheels, red accents were added to the soft-release button and the function button on the thumb grip. The F1® logo is engraved on the top plate and lens cap, and it also comes with a rope strap bearing both companies’ logos and dedicated packaging.
Formula 1® presenter Ariana Bravo and 2009 Formula 1® World Champion Jenson Button attended the product launch event. The two brands said they collaborated on the basis of shared values: precision, craftsmanship and a commitment to perfection.
Based on the Leica Q3 43, this edition is equipped with an APO-Summicron 1:2/43 ASPH. lens and a 60-megapixel full-frame BSI CMOS sensor. Users can choose a resolution of 60, 36 or 18 megapixels depending on their shooting needs, and the hybrid autofocus system can capture fast-moving scenes.
The edition also features a dedicated Leica Look called “Formula 1.” Its high contrast and rich saturation convey the vivid atmosphere of the race track and paddock, and it is available exclusively with this edition through the Leica FOTOS app. The effect can be previewed in the viewfinder while shooting, allowing users to capture the desired look without separate post-processing.
A Leica Camera representative said, “It is significant that two different fields—photography and motorsports—have come together to show new possibilities,” adding, “We hope people will be able to experience the appeal of both brands through this edition, which combines Leica’s technology and design with Formula 1®’s distinctive character.”
The Leica Q3 43 Formula 1® Edition will be available at Leica Stores from the 21st. Product information is available on Leica Camera’s official website and Instagram account.
[email protected] Yoon Hong-jip Reporter